Nigerian aviation authorities have taken decisive steps to strengthen confidence in the country's aviation safety and financing systems, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development issuing clear directives to airline operators.
Keyamo Mandates Insurance Transparency
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has directed Nigerian airlines to ensure full compliance, accountability and transparency in their insurance programmes. The minister gave this directive over the weekend in Lagos during the Civil Aviation Insurance Compliance and Financing Summit organized by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The conference, which carried the theme 'Securing the Skies: Navigating Aviation Insurance and Aircraft Finance Safeguards,' brought together aviation and insurance regulators, insurance companies, airline operators and aircraft lessors. The gathering aimed to address persistent gaps in aviation insurance management that have concerned stakeholders across the industry.
Keyamo maintained that for Nigeria to maintain global credibility in aircraft financing and leasing, airlines must adhere strictly to insurance requirements and avoid practices that undermine transparency. He further urged regulators across the aviation value chain to maintain operational alignment and proactive communication.
Building International Confidence
The aviation minister emphasized that policy consistency was key in attracting international financing for local carriers. He outlined specific expectations for different stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem, stating that insurers must provide adequate capacity, competitive products and global-standard risk management.
"Our airlines must ensure full compliance and transparency in their insurance programmes," Keyamo declared. "Insurers must also provide adequate capacity, competitive products and global-standard risk management, while lessors and financiers must remain confident that Nigeria offers a stable investment environment."
Airlines Address A320 Recall Concerns
Meanwhile, airline operators in Nigeria have moved to allay fears that flight operations may be disrupted following the recall of approximately 6,000 Airbus A320 aircraft by Airbus due to outdated software concerns.
At least three Nigerian airlines operate or have operated A320 aircraft in their fleets. United Nigeria Airlines and Air Peace currently operate the model, while Ibom Air had previously wet-leased A320-200 aircraft but has since phased them out for newer A220 aircraft.
Airbus has clarified that not all A320 aircraft require the recommended software update, providing some reassurance to operators and passengers alike. A report obtained by The Guardian indicated that global airlines may be affected by the recall, as many carriers operate significant numbers of A320 aircraft in their fleets worldwide.
Airline Responses to Recall
In response to inquiries about the potential impact, George Uriesi, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, confirmed that the airline no longer has any A320 aircraft in its fleet. "We have A220 aircraft," Uriesi stated. "I don't know for sure until we hear formally, but I don't think the A220 is affected. But it's good to get confirmation directly."
Similarly, Chibuike Uloka, the Public Relations Officer of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), dismissed concerns about potential flight disruptions due to the recall. Uloka assured The Guardian that the Airbus aircraft being operated by UNA were completely safe and not affected by the recall notice.
"There is no potential disruption of operation as we are in good shape," Uloka confidently stated, providing reassurance to passengers who might have been concerned about travel plans involving the carrier's A320 fleet.
The simultaneous focus on insurance transparency and addressing aircraft safety concerns demonstrates the Nigerian aviation sector's commitment to maintaining high safety standards while building financial credibility in the global aviation community.
